Archive for the ‘Uncategorized’ Category

The Auckland Refugee Family Trust (ARFT) provides financial support so that refugee families in Auckland can be reunited.

Q2 . Who can apply?

A. Refugee background families in New Zealand whose relatives overseas hold a visa to enter New Zealand as residents.

Q 3. There are a number of ways in which refugee background families can apply for their relatives to join them in New Zealand. Will ARFT prioritise applicants based on these categories?

A: Initially the Trust will prioritise those who have obtained a visa under Tier 1 of the Refugee Family Support Category. Tier 2 applications may also be considered, depending on the amount of money in the Trust.

Q 4. How will the applications be assessed?

A: ARFT will assess and prioritise applications from families:

with children waiting to be reunited with family members

with family members who have a disability

with very young or very elderly family members

according to the individual situation of the family in New Zealand

depending on the level of danger in country of residence overseas

Q 5. Does a grant need to be repaid?

A: No. But we will ask that families who benefit from this non-repayable grant to consider making a donation to the Trust should their financial positions improve. In this way, other families may be assisted.

Q6. How many family members can be supported?

A: There is no limit to the number of family members. However Trust support for large families would be subject to sufficient funds and the trust will not approve a grant that would split families.

This is a two stage process. The Preliminary application will have a very quick response.

There will also be a quick response to the Full Application, but it may be to request further information, or to advise about the current financial situation of the Trust.

If an application meets the criteria of the Trust, but there are insufficient funds to approve it, the applicant may be asked whether they wish the Trust to hold their application until more money can be raised.

Being reunited with family members is the most pressing concern for refugees in New Zealand

The Trust was established in response to a request from the Auckland Refugee Coalition. Its purpose is to raise and distribute funds so that refugee families in Auckland can be reunited. Funds will be used exclusive to assist with airfares and related family reunification expenses.